BJP supports PM Modi's decision to ban red beacon

Lauding the Centre's decision to ban the use of red beacon light on vehicles of dignitaries, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) said the move would eliminate the chaos caused in the past due to VIP vehicles.

Speaking to ANI on Friday, BJP leader S. Prakash, while supporting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urged that it was important for politicians to be among the citizens and do what was required of them.

"In the past, there has been confusion with regard to VIP cars. The move has been proposed, so that dignitaries also function as common men from May 1," he said.

Prakash also urged that although most state governments have accepted the decision, states like Bihar, where the 'laal batti' culture is inherent, must also incorporate the same.

"Those opposing the decision will eventually fall in line," he added.

Hailing Prime Minister Modi as a 'people's Prime Minister', BJP leader Zafar Islam said the 'adorable' Prime Minister has reiterated his belief that everyone should be given equal importance in a country.

"With the stroke of a pen, the Prime Minister has delivered a landmark judgement and unified every citizen of this country. Unlike before, our Prime Minister is concerned about the wellbeing of each and every citizen. This has never happened in the past 70 years," he said, while taking a jibe at the former UPA government.

The decision taken by the Union Cabinet will be implemented from May 1.

It is reported that five categories would be allowed to use the red beacon- President, Vice President, Prime Minister, Chief Justice of India and the Lok Sabha Speaker.

The ban applies to union ministers, chief ministers, state cabinet ministers, bureaucrats and judges of the High Court and Supreme Court.

It was reported last week that the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) had called a meeting to discuss whether the red beacon should be discarded or restricted to certain dignitaries.

Captain Amarinder Singh and Yogi Adityanath, the new chief ministers of Punjab and Uttar Pradesh, have already taken steps to either end or restrict VIP culture.

In its first cabinet meeting, chaired by Captain Amarinder, the newly formed Punjab Government decided to completely shun the VIP culture by removing the red, yellow and blue beacons from their official vehicles.